Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the US, contributing to over 4,000 deaths and countless injuries every year. Drivers who aren’t giving the road their full attention won’t be able to respond to sudden changes in traffic and often make serious mistakes, resulting in collisions that could have been prevented. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, a skilled car accident attorney may be able to help collect compensation for your losses.

3 Common Driving Distractions

1. Electronic Devices

Smartphones are among the most common distractions, and they’re also among the deadliest. Talking on the phone, checking email, or responding to a text takes your eyes and your attention for the road for several seconds at a time. While this may not seem dangerous, just six seconds at 55 mph is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

2. Eating & Drinking

While food or your morning coffee may not take your eyes off the road for long, it does occupy your hands, potentially leaving you unable to react if you lose control or a car changes lanes in front of you. To effectively respond to these emergencies, a driver should have both hands free at all times.

3. Vehicle Controls

Entering an address into the GPS, scanning radio stations, and adjusting the AC may seem like minor distractions, but they can lead to major accidents. It only takes a momentary mistake to cause a collision that could alter someone’s life forever, so car accident attorneys recommend waiting until you’re stopped before adjusting the controls in your vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, the car accident attorneys at Neimark & Neimark are ready to provide the aggressive representation you deserve. As the preeminent law firm serving New York’s Rockland and Orange counties, they have the resources to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Visit their website to learn how they can help after a collision, connect with them on Twitter for more updates, or call (888) 725-7424 to speak with a car accident attorney today.